​

Structured Sensory Interventions for Traumatized Children, Adolescents, and Parents (SITCAP) is a trauma-specific, sensory-based approach developed by Dr. William Steele and the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC). This method is designed to help children and youth safely process trauma, grief, and overwhelming stress through sensory and body-based strategies—without relying solely on words.

 

At Wellness Counselling Centre, we use SITCAP to support children and youth who have experienced trauma, loss, or chronic stress. This structured, gentle method helps them express what they feel, regain a sense of safety, and build tools for emotional regulation and resilience.

​

How SITCAP Can Help

​SITCAP supports healing by engaging the senses and nervous system. It may help children and youth:

• Process trauma without needing to re-tell distressing events in detail

• Reduce emotional numbing, fear, and hypervigilance

• Develop emotional language and regulation strategies

• Restore a sense of safety, predictability, and control

• Strengthen self-esteem and trust in relationships

• Express grief, sadness, fear, and confusion in a safe, structured way

This approach focuses on what trauma feels like rather than what happened, making it especially effective for children who struggle with verbal expression.

​

Who Can Benefit from SITCAP

​SITCAP is especially helpful for:​

• Children and youth (ages 3–18) affected by trauma, loss, abuse, or neglect

• Young clients struggling with nightmares, anxiety, withdrawal, or emotional outbursts

• Students impacted by school violence, bullying, or disruptions in routine

• Children in foster care, adoption, or unstable caregiving environments

• Families navigating grief, separation, divorce, or serious illness

• Parents or caregivers seeking to understand and support their child’s trauma responses

This structured model is also highly effective when integrated with parent coaching and support.

​

What to Expect in SITCAP Sessions

​SITCAP sessions are developmentally appropriate and structured to promote safety. Children and youth may engage in:

• Drawing, storytelling, and guided journaling

• Sensory regulation tools like grounding objects, calming visuals, or breathing exercises

• Art, sand tray, or play-based expression

• Body-based awareness of where trauma is “held” and how to safely release it

• Relaxation techniques to reduce fear and support emotional regulation

Each activity is designed to gently guide children toward healing, without overwhelming or retraumatizing them.

 

Our Approach to Structured Sensory Interventions

At Wellness Counselling Centre, we use SITCAP as part of a holistic, trauma-informed framework. We may combine it with:

• Play Therapy & Art Therapy – To help children express their inner world

• Attachment-Informed Therapy – Supporting safe relationships with caregivers

• Somatic & Mindfulness-Based Practices – Teaching body awareness and self-soothing

• Parent Support & Coaching – Helping caregivers understand trauma responses and co-regulate at home

• Narrative Therapy – When children are ready to begin creating their own healing stories

We honour each child’s unique voice and pacing, creating space for safety, growth, and restoration.

​

Helping Kids Feel Safe in Their Bodies and Their World

SITCAP offers children and youth a structured, sensory-rich path to healing—helping them express what’s hard to say, and discover tools that support calm, connection, and confidence.